Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a power line of a switch mode power supply system includes encoding a switch frequency of the switch mode power supply with the data. A ripple voltage is generated at the encoded switch frequency relative to a voltage generated by the switch mode power supply. The ripple voltage is conducted over the power line of the system. The ripple voltage is de-coupled from the power line and the data is decoded from the encoded switch frequency of the coupled ripple voltage.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that a valve includes a passage. A first sealing element is biased to restrict flow of a fluid in a first direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the first direction is less than a first predetermined threshold. A second sealing element is biased to unrestrict flow of the fluid to a baseline unrestricted flow rate in a second direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the second direction is less than a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake system that includes at least one pneumatic latching valve; a single device, such as a solenoid, for providing momentary pilot signals to pneumatic latching valve; a source of pressurized supply air in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; a spring brake or other pneumatic device in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; and, optionally, an indicator device for monitoring and displaying the state of the pneumatic latching valve. Upon receiving a first momentary pilot signal the pneumatic latching valve changes from closed to open and delivers pressurized air to the spring brake. Upon receiving a second momentary pilot signal, the pneumatic latching valve changes from open to closed and exhausts pressurized air from the spring brake to the external environment. The valve remains “latched” in its current state until the signaling device is energized and the next momentary pilot signal is received.

Abstract: A purge exhaust processor includes an inlet chamber receiving a purge exhaust. A portion of the purge exhaust including at least one of moisture, air, and oil is passed from the inlet chamber to a sump volume. A heat source changes a phase of the moisture from liquid to gas. A wick transfers the oil from the sump volume to an oil collector.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving the operational performance of a moving cement mixer vehicle with a rotatable mixing drum by automatically stopping the rotation of the mixing drum at select moments. The system may include a sensor adapted to deliver a signal indicative of an operational parameter, such as steering angle of the vehicle, and a processing unit adapted to receive the signal from the sensor and deliver a control signal based on the signal for stopping rotation of the mixing drum.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle braking system, for delivering pressurized air to a brake chamber to achieve a desired braking response, includes an air-pressure controlled relay valve for delivering the pressurized air to the brake chamber. A solenoid receives a variable control input pressure and delivers the control input pressure to the relay valve as a function of a state of the solenoid. An ECU controls the solenoid according to a control model for delivering the pressurized air to the brake chamber and achieving the desired braking response.

Abstract: An oil-less/oil-free air brake compressor comprising a bore, a piston positioned for reciprocating in the bore, the piston having an annular recess and a rigid polymeric piston ring received within the annular recess, the piston ring having a predetermined non-circular profile in the free state.

Abstract: A valve for use in a pneumatic fluid system, such as an air brake system, is disclosed. The valve provides for fast release of pneumatic fluid from the delivery cavity through the exhaust port upon cessation of flow from the pneumatic fluid reservoir through the supply cavity. The valve includes a flow diverter that restricts fluid flow from the delivery cavity to the supply cavity when pneumatic fluid pressure in the supply cavity is less than that in the delivery cavity with minimal restriction of flow from the supply cavity to the delivery cavity when pressure in the supply cavity is greater than in the delivery cavity.

Abstract: An oil-free/oil-less air compressor with a piston positioned for reciprocating in a bore, the piston having a first piston ring assembly made from a rigid, high temperature polymer, and a second piston ring assembly comprising a first portion that engages the bore, the first portion made from a relatively soft, self-lubricating polymer, and a second portion that biases the first portion against the bore.

Abstract: A serviceable filtering oil removal cartridge for use in a compressed air assembly of a vehicle air brake system includes a housing having a first end and a second end. A filtering element is disposed within the housing for agglomerating and removing oil from compressed air entering the oil removal cartridge. A load plate is disposed within the housing for supporting the filtering element. The load plate includes a connecting portion dimensioned to allow the oil removal cartridge to be removed and installed as a single unit. The connecting portion is preferably a threaded annulus. A thermal vent can be included, wherein pressure is released from the oil removal cartridge upon reaching a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A gamma camera system is described having a user interface by which protocols can be set up for the simultaneous acquisition of different views. Pull-down menus prevent the selection of incompatible simultaneous views for acquisition. The protocol being assembled, including its sequential steps and multiple simultaneous views, are displayed to the user.

Abstract: A nuclear camera system is provided in which the energy spectrum peaks identified by a camera detector head are automatically adjusted to account for drift and other sources of inaccuracy. Histograms of events detected by the photomultiplier tubes of the detector head are acquired continuously and updated periodically. A system operator initiates the adjustment with an autopeaking command which causes the system to ascertain the validity of the histogram data and, if it is valid, to determine a peak energy level. The determined level is compared to a theoretical value for an isotope present and the comparison is used to adjust the gain applied to energy data of the detector head.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for setting a filament (22) on an electrode (24) comprises a body (52) having a central member (54) with a longitudinal axis (A—A), a first end member (56) and a second end member (58). The first and second end members (56, 58) are located at opposite ends of the central member (54) and each extends away from the longitudinal axis (A—A) thereby forming a recess (59). Each end member (56, 58) includes a surface generally facing the recess (61, 63) and an outer surface (74, 76). A bore (68) in the body is adapted to receive a retaining member (not shown) for mounting the body (52) to the electrode (24). A cavity (70) extends through the first end member (56) from its outer surface (74) to its recess facing surface (61). A cavity (80) in the second end member (58) opens toward the recess (59). The cavities (70, 80) in the first end member (56) and second end member (58) are located opposite one another across the recess (59).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system including a CT system, an NM system, a NM bed operatively coupled to the NM system, and a CT bed operatively coupled to the CT system, with the CT bed coupled to the NM bed when the CT system is used for dual mode imaging.

Abstract: A seat cushion cover (20) in combination with a sport seat cushion (22) includes a rectangular pocket (24) defined by a fabric upper panel (26) and a lower panel (28). The upper and lower panels (26, 28) are generally parallel to one another and are joined by side panels (30a,b) and an end panel (32). A fabric flap (34) extends from the upper panel (26). The flap (34) is adapted to retain the cushion (22) within the pocket (24) and provide for securing the cushion (22) on a stadium seat (54). The flap (34) foldably extends over an opening (33) of the pocket (24) and along a portion of lower panel (28). The flap (34) and the portion of the lower panel (28) are separated by a space for receiving the stadium seat bottom (56). The flap (34) is adjustably secured to the side panels (30a,b) with fasteners (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52). A resilient band (36) provides tension to retain the cover (20) on the seat bottom (56) when it is in its raised position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automated positioning of a collimator exchange assembly with a gamma camera system is described. A collimator exchange assembly is coupled to a base. During operation of the gamma camera system, the exchange assembly is positioned to the side of the gamma camera system. Prior to transferring collimators between the exchange assembly and the detector heads of the gamma camera system, the exchange assembly rotates into close proximity with the gamma camera system to allow the transfer of collimators between the exchange assembly and the gamma camera system. Once the collimators have been transferred, the exchange assembly then rotates back to the side of the gamma camera system such that the exchange assembly does not interfere with the gamma camera system during the gamma camera study.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray system/generator in which after the end of an X-ray exposure the grid of th X-ray tube is blocke4d as long as the X-ray exposure is read out from a detector (or as long a film or a PCR is removed from the X-rays). After read out, the grid is released so that the system capacitance may be discharged via the X-ray tube. Thereby over-exposure due to energy stored in the sytem- and cable capacities is avoided (which is a problem especially for thin objects), and the system may be switched from a tube with grid to a tube without grid without problems.

Abstract: An x-ray tube comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are located in operative relationship with one another to generate x-rays when the electrodes are energized at their respective operating potential. An evacuated envelope encloses the first and second electrodes. The evacuated envelope includes a first envelope wall portion, a second envelope wall portion and an envelope weld member comprising an electrical conductor. The envelope weld member is in electrical communication so as to be at operating potential of one of the first and second electrodes when the x-ray tube is energized. The envelope weld member is adapted for vacuum tight joining to the first envelope wall portion and to the second envelope wall portion. The envelope weld member has an integral corona shield portion.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (20) includes an evacuated envelope (26). Mounted within the evacuated envelope are a cathode (23) and a rotatbly supported anode (30). A rotor (70) is included for rotatably driving the anode. The rotor (70) is electrically insulated from the anode (30) by a disk (76) comprised of an insulating material.

Abstract: An x-ray system 20 includes an x-ray tube insert (24) that has an evacuated envelope (34), an anode assembly (38) and a cathode assembly (40). The anode assembly (38) and the cathode assembly (40) are located in operative relationship to one another within the evacuated envelope (34). A temperature indicating member (100) is located in thermally conductive contact with at least one assembly (38, 40, 66) located in the x-ray tube insert (24). The temperature indicating member (100) has a temperature sensitive characteristic which changes in response to adequate thermal exposure to at least one temperature threshold value.